Home kumquat, also called kinkan, is a small, compact tree, reaching a height of up to 1.5 m. The crown of the kumquat is dense, bushy. The leaf is large, oblong, green. He can be seen in numerous photos, including the forum that presents a video on YouTube (youtube).
When the kumquat enters the fruiting phase, it looks especially attractive. It blooms profusely, and the delicate, white-pink flowers exude a delicate scent. The period of active growth of indoor kumquat falls in April-May and lasts 2 months. A young plant grows in two periods, an adult plant has one growth period. The average growth of green mass is 5-8 cm, sometimes 12 cm per week. The plant enters the flowering phase in September, and after about six months, in February - March, the fruits fully ripen. Kumquat fruits are edible, slightly sour, rich in calcium, magnesium and vitamins.
Growing from a bone
Kumquat can be grown from seeds for which the price is low and which are sold by Ukraine and other countries. However, you should be prepared for the fact that a tree grown from a stone will begin to bear fruit only after 8-10 years. Note that the procedure is similar to how growing from seed is done.
The seed is planted in the center of the pot with an earthen mixture of black soil and sand. Planting depth - 1.5-2 cm. Water abundantly, and remove excess water from the pallet. The container is covered with polyethylene or glass and placed in a bright place where the temperature is not high.
Further care consists in periodic watering and airing. After 1-2 months, the kumquat should sprout. After 4-5 leaves are formed on it, the plant is carefully transplanted into a larger pot and fed, which is bought in specialized stores.
3. Varieties:
3.1 Kumquat Margarita or Nagami - Fortunella margarita
A small evergreen tree, which in its natural habitat reaches a height of 2 to 4 m. Leaves are dark green, glossy, oblong, lanceolate, on short petioles. The leaf blades of this variety are slightly bent along the central vein. The flowers are collected in small, few-flowered inflorescences in the leaf axils, cream or white, up to 1.5 cm in diameter, has a sweetish orange aroma. Fruits are orange, oblong, up to 3.5 cm long and about 2.5 cm wide.
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3.2. Kumquat Meiva - Fortunella crassifolia, kumquat "Meiwa"
Evergreen fruit shrub 3 to 6 m high with abundant branching shoots. Leaves are glossy, entire, lanceolate, slightly bent along the central vein, entire. The flowers are small, white, fragrant, collected in few-flowered inflorescences. The fruits are round, orange, reminiscent of tangerines and have a very pleasant, sweet taste. The fruits of plants are used for food both fresh and for making jams and candied fruits.
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3.3. Kumquat Fukushi or Obovata - Fortunella obovata ‘Fukushu’
Evergreen fruit tree 2 to 5 m high with erect, branched shoots. Leaves, oval, hard, dark green, glossy, on short petioles. The flowers are small, fragrant, white, with waxy oblong petals.The hearth is rounded, slightly flattened, with a thin, edible peel, reaching a diameter of 2 to 5 cm. In appearance, the fruit resembles a tangerine.
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Reproduction by layering
To propagate the kumquat by layering, a shoot about 20 cm long is chosen on an adult fruiting tree. Approximately in the middle of the shoot, at a distance of 1 cm, 2 parallel bark cuts are made. The bark from the incision site is carefully removed. A bare ring forms on the branch. The leaves under and above the ring must be removed. Now you need to place a part of the shoot without bark into the soil substrate. For this purpose, use a small plastic bottle or tetra juice bag. The container is cut lengthwise into two parts, and a hole is cut out at the bottom equal to the diameter of the branch. The branch is placed inside the container, both halves are connected with tape or wire, and everything is covered with a wet substrate of sand and peat. It remains to make sure that the substrate is moist all the time and does not dry out. Thus, a new root system is gradually formed on the shoot. After about 2 months, the shoot is cut off, the container is disconnected and the plant, along with a lump of earth, is removed and transplanted into a new pot.
Kumquat propagation by cuttings
You can grow a kumquat indoors from a cuttings taken from a healthy fruiting plant. It is advisable to do this in April, before flowering. A stalk taken at a later date will take root worse and get very sick. A small shoot is prepared for cuttings, 5-9 cm long, having 2-3 leaves. If the leaves are large, then they must be cut in half. To accelerate root growth, the cuttings are treated with a growth stimulator before planting. The bottom cut is sprinkled with crushed charcoal.
It is planted in a container with earth and covered with a jar. "Greenhouse" is placed in a bright place. The jar is periodically removed for ventilation, and the earth is moistened. After 1.5-2 months, the cutting should take root completely.
Secrets of the professionals
In order for fortunella to delight with beauty and bright fruits with an unforgettable taste, she will need to devote time and attention. There are several conditions under which its cultivation will bring only positive emotions.
- Before planting the plant, you need to heat the pot and the nutrient substrate. They can contain harmful microorganisms that will die under the influence of high temperatures.
- Kinkan is afraid of drafts. If the pot with it is on the windowsill, you need to open the vents with caution. Taking the plant outside in warm weather, you should take care of its protection from cold winds.
- A pot for fortunella is chosen depending on what kind of tree you want to get in the end. The smaller the planting capacity, the more compact the plant will have. To get a powerful tall kinkan, you will need to take a voluminous pot.
- The kumquat needs a transplant every 2-3 years. It is carried out in early spring, transferring the plant to a new container. They do this carefully, trying not to injure the roots that are strongly intertwined with each other. Fresh drainage must be placed on the bottom of the pot. Watering the transplanted tree abundantly, it is placed in a warm place. Within 2 weeks, the kumquat will need partial shade and daily leaf spraying.
- You do not need to throw out fortunella if its growth has stopped, and the leaves have flown from it. If you properly care for the tree at home, water and feed it, it will turn green again.
- When all the fruits on the kinkan are ripe and fall off, it is recommended to trim the plant to awaken the dormant buds.
Kumquat will brighten any room, filling it with a fresh and pleasant citrus scent. It is effective at any stage of its life cycle. In the fall, delicately fragrant pink-and-white flowers make it elegant, literally covering the tree. In winter, fruits ripening on its branches, stand out in bright spots against the background of dark greenery.And in spring and summer, you can admire its semicircular dense crown, which is formed by large shiny leaves.
There is nothing difficult in caring for an exotic kumquat. Even beginners in the cultivation of indoor crops will be able to grow an elegant tree in an apartment. Adequate lighting, regular watering and feeding - these are the three whales on which Fortunella's agricultural technology is based.
Kumquat home care
To be able to enjoy the fruits of the kumquat grown at home, the tree needs to be properly cared for. If it was purchased, it is worth knowing what to do as soon as it was brought from the store.
Kumquat is a light-loving culture, so it should be placed in a well-lit area. In summer, the tree can be taken out to the balcony or garden, but positioned so that direct sunlight does not fall on it. In winter, when the fruits begin to ripen, it needs additional lighting.
How to water? Watering should be done regularly, avoiding drying out of the soil. The plant does not tolerate too dry air, for this reason, it can shed its leaves. Therefore, especially on hot summer days, it is necessary to spray the crown of the tree with water. During the period of active growth, it needs fertilization. Top dressing is done 1-2 times a month.
Home kumquat, also called kinkan, is a small, compact tree, reaching a height of up to 1.5 m. The crown of the kumquat is dense, bushy. The leaf is large, oblong, green. He can be seen in numerous photos, including the forum that presents a video on YouTube (youtube).
When the kumquat enters the fruiting phase, it looks especially attractive. It blooms profusely, and the delicate, white-pink flowers exude a delicate scent. The period of active growth of indoor kumquat falls in April-May and lasts 2 months. A young plant grows in two periods, an adult plant has one growth period. The average growth of green mass is 5-8 cm, sometimes 12 cm per week. The plant enters the flowering phase in September, and after about six months, in February - March, the fruits fully ripen. Kumquat fruits are edible, slightly sour, rich in calcium, magnesium and vitamins.
Description of the plant
This evergreen tree came to us from China. When it was introduced to Europe and America in the 20th century, the popularity of this plant grew rapidly. Another characteristic name for the flower is Japanese orange. Now everyone can grow a kumquat from a stone, since such a plant is no longer a rarity in our country. It looks like a compact shrub. It does not differ in its large size. When the tree blooms, it is dotted with white or pink inflorescences that exude a pleasant aroma.
Orange fruits resemble oranges, but are oval in shape. These citrus fruits are highly valued not only for their taste, but their use will have a beneficial effect on your health. Interestingly, the core of the kumquat is more like a mandarin. But such a mix is not the only highlight of the fruit. It can be eaten with the peel, which is another plus.
Growing from a bone
Kumquat can be grown from seeds for which the price is low and which are sold by Ukraine and other countries. However, you should be prepared for the fact that a tree grown from a stone will begin to bear fruit only after 8-10 years. Note that the procedure is similar to how growing from seed is done.
The seed is planted in the center of the pot with an earthen mixture of black soil and sand. Planting depth - 1.5-2 cm. Water abundantly, and remove excess water from the pallet. The container is covered with polyethylene or glass and placed in a bright place where the temperature is not high.
Further care consists in periodic watering and airing.After 1-2 months, a sprout should appear in the kumquat. After 4-5 leaves are formed on it, the plant is carefully transplanted into a larger pot and fed, which is bought in specialized stores.
general description
Kumquat, planting and caring for which at home is not too difficult, enjoys well-deserved popularity among amateur flower growers.
The woody shrub of the kumquat is distinguished by its compact-miniature size with a well-developed crown and medium-sized leaves due to dense tillering. The plant blooms with pinkish white fragrant flowers, giving abundant fruiting.
The skin of the kumquat fruit is quite sweet, and the flesh has a sour taste. Therefore, it is recommended to eat them whole at once, so that the taste is mixed and balanced. The easiest way to grow this crop is by grafting onto another citrus, such as lemon, or by grafting. When propagated by seeds, fruiting occurs only after ten years, therefore, growing a kumquat from seeds at home is quite laborious, but an interesting task that requires care and patience from the grower.
Reproduction by layering
To propagate the kumquat by layering, a shoot about 20 cm long is chosen on an adult fruiting tree. Approximately in the middle of the shoot, at a distance of 1 cm, 2 parallel bark cuts are made. The bark from the incision site is carefully removed. A bare ring forms on the branch. The leaves under and above the ring must be removed. Now you need to place a part of the shoot without bark into the soil substrate. For this purpose, use a small plastic bottle or tetra juice bag. The container is cut lengthwise into two parts, and a hole is cut out at the bottom equal to the diameter of the branch. The branch is placed inside the container, both halves are connected with tape or wire, and everything is covered with a wet substrate of sand and peat. It remains to make sure that the substrate is moist all the time and does not dry out. Thus, a new root system is gradually formed on the shoot. After about 2 months, the shoot is cut off, the container is disconnected and the plant, along with a lump of earth, is removed and transplanted into a new pot.
Kumquat propagation by cuttings
You can grow a kumquat indoors from a cuttings taken from a healthy fruiting plant. It is advisable to do this in April, before flowering. A stalk taken at a later date will take root worse and get very sick. A small shoot is prepared for cuttings, 5-9 cm long, having 2-3 leaves. If the leaves are large, then they must be cut in half. To accelerate root growth, the cuttings are treated with a growth stimulator before planting. The bottom cut is sprinkled with crushed charcoal.
It is planted in a container with earth and covered with a jar. "Greenhouse" is placed in a bright place. The jar is periodically removed for ventilation, and the earth is moistened. After 1.5-2 months, the cutting should take root completely.
Healing properties
The beneficial and medicinal properties of kumquat are due to the high content of all kinds of substances and essential oils in its peel. The fruits effectively help in the treatment of colds and respiratory diseases, as well as for skin lesions with fungal infections (thanks to furacumarin). ">
The fruits of this plant have a calming effect, normalize digestion, and help overcome apathy and depression. Berries contain a large amount of potassium and calcium, vitamins A and C, and have an anti-alcohol effect.
Kumquat home care
To be able to enjoy the fruits of the kumquat grown at home, the tree needs to be properly cared for. If it was purchased, it is worth knowing what to do as soon as it was brought from the store.
Kumquat is a light-loving culture, so it should be placed in a well-lit area.In summer, the tree can be taken out to the balcony or garden, but positioned so that direct sunlight does not fall on it. In winter, when the fruits begin to ripen, it needs additional lighting.
How to water? Watering should be done regularly, avoiding the drying out of the soil. The plant does not tolerate too dry air, for this reason, it can shed its leaves. Therefore, especially on hot summer days, it is necessary to spray the crown of the tree with water. During the period of active growth, it needs fertilization. Top dressing is done 1-2 times a month.
Contraindications and harm
Like any citrus, kumquat is not versatile. It has useful properties and contraindications with restrictions:
- If there is an individual intolerance to citrus fruits, but really want to, a safe norm is no more than two fruits at a time.
- Tendency to corpulence. Overuse of fruit provokes obesity.
- The acids contained in the fruit make it undesirable for people with gastrointestinal problems (high acidity of gastric juice, ulcers, gastritis), kidneys, and genitourinary system.
- Forbidden while breastfeeding: it is not known how the child's body will perceive it.
- With diabetes, kumquats are consumed only fresh, little by little, monitoring the sugar level. And only after consulting a doctor.
Even if you are not allergic to ordinary citrus fruits, two or three slices are enough for the first tasting. There was no discomfort - then you can eat kumquat as much as you want.
